1019-342 Renewable Energy Casework Adviser - D Grade - November 2025 in Inverness

The main purpose of the post is to support our Operations teams in providing advice to Scottish Government, Planning Authorities and developers regarding the impacts of onshore renewable energy proposals on the natural heritage (including onshore wind, solar, battery, pump hydro storage, hydrogen and associated electricity transmission). In doing so, the post-holder will be making an important contribution to our efforts to help make good development happen in the right places and reach Scottish Government targets for net zero emissions. The post-holder will be part of our Supporting Good Development team, working closely with the two other RECAs in prioritising advice and support where it is most needed across the whole of Scotland, and helping to ensure a consistent approach to our renewables casework.

Main duties and responsibilities:

• Providing advice and support for our Operations teams in responding to enquiries and consultations over onshore renewable energy proposals.
• Leading on complex or contentious renewable energy cases and drafting written responses to consultations incorporating input from technical advisers.
• Engaging with developers and industry bodies, other environmental agencies or organisations, Planning Authorities and Scottish Government Energy Consents Unit.
• Co‑ordinating or supporting our participation in Public Local Inquiries.
• Contributing to the development of renewable energy guidance.
• Building capacity internally and within Planning Authorities and Energy Consents Unit to deal with the natural heritage issues associated with renewables development.
• Applying and contributing to the development of procedures, guidance and standards that help us meet our objectives for service delivery.

Applicants must be able to travel across Scotland to attend meetings and site visits as required. This may involve occasional overnight stays away from home.

Skills required:

• An understanding of Scottish Government's energy policy and the importance of renewable energy to meet its net zero ambition.
• An understanding of the Scottish planning system and NatureScot’s statutory role in planning casework and other regulatory regimes.
• Knowledge of onshore renewable energy technologies, their potential impacts on the natural heritage and relevant legislation and consents processes applicable in Scotland.
• Experience of working with public bodies, non-governmental organisations and private sector businesses and representatives.
• The interpretation of complex information and ability to make decisions based on sound analysis and judgement.
• An ability to produce well-structured and accurate written work incorporating and agreeing input from contributors.
• Organisational skills to enable work targets to be set and deadlines met, and with the flexibility to adapt to shifting priorities, workloads and demands.
• Good verbal communication, influencing and engagement skills, demonstrating an ability to take forward our aims and ambitions.
• Interpersonal skills that contribute to collaborative team working, demonstrate empathy and understanding of the views of others and a customer orientated approach to service provision.

Prerequisites Required:

• To undertake a Disclosure Scotland application.
• Although Gaelic language is not a prerequisite it is a desirable skill in support of our commitment to our Gaelic Language Plan.
• Applicants must be eligible to live and work in the UK and resident in Scotland for the duration of the job contract.

Working for NatureScot – what we offer you:

• An environment with flexible working options.
• A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97% (7.35% employee contributions).
• 41.5 days of annual leave, including 5 fixed public holidays on St Andrews Day, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Day and 2nd January.
• Equivalent of 2 days paid volunteering leave.
• A focus on wellbeing with access to an employee assistance programme.
• Job satisfaction from contributing proactively to the twinned nature and climate crisis.
• Death in service benefits.
• Cycle to work and electric vehicle salary sacrifice schemes.
• Access to an employee discounts scheme.
• Learning and development tailored to your role.
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity.

Application Process:

Application is by CV and Supporting Statement. Please ensure you attach these documents when submitting your application.

Interviews:

These will be arranged as a Microsoft Teams call. External candidates will be invited to interview if we are unable to recruit internally.

NatureScot’s Net Zero commitment:

Whether working at home or in an office, or travelling to meetings and site visits, as a NatureScot you will contribute to our Net Zero plan, for example through positive carbon travel choices.

For information regarding the post please contact: Mike Shepherd, Casework Manager, Supporting Good Development. Email: Mike.Shepherd@nature.scot

Nature is vital to all of us, so it is vital that we are an organisation for all of Scotland. The more diverse NatureScot is, the better we will be in connecting everyone with nature. We particularly encourage applications from people from Minority Ethnic (ME) backgrounds and people with a disability.